‘Foxcatcher’ Set To Close AFI Fest After Year Delay

The American Film Institute has announced that its closing-night film for the 2014 AFI Fest Presented By Audi will be none other than director Bennett Miller’s Oscar-buzzed Foxcatcher. Sound familiar? You might recall that AFI had actually announced, with much fanfare, this same film’s World Premiere for the second night of the 2013 AFI Fest. But just a few days later it was abruptly pulled when Sony Pictures Classics issued a terse release saying the film would not be released as planned that year so that Miller could have more time to finish it.

Now, after having a successful premiere at Cannes in May where Miller won the Best Director prize — and travelling the fall fest circuit of Telluride, Toronto and New York to name three — the acclaimed film starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo will finally hit AFI at the Dolby Theatre on November 13, the day before it begins its regular theatrical engagement. It is probably safe to say no film has waited longer to be a part of AFI Fest than Foxcatcher.

Previously announced as the opening night film is J.C Chandor’s A Most Violent Year on November 6.

”Bennett Miller and the film’s incredible cast are going to close the festival and our last night at the iconic Dolby Theatre with an enthralling psychological drama that is one of the highlights of American independent filmmaking this year,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, Director, AFI FEST.

To attend the Closing Night Gala of FOXCATCHER with reserved seats, guests must purchase a festival package at the Star Patron or Marquee Patron levels. These and other AFI FEST Patron Packages and Passes – that can include access to sold-out galas and other high-demand films and events – are on sale now at AFI.com/AFIFEST. AFI members at the Two-Star level and above receive a 10% discount on all AFI FEST Patron Packages and Passes. AFI Members will be given access to regular screenings with a Cinepass for this year’s festival. Information about AFI Membership is available at AFI.com/membership. The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization, and Patron Packages are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Free individual tickets to AFI FEST screenings and galas will be available to the general public online at AFI.com beginning Friday, October 24.

The Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards®, will be the festival’s newest venue for red carpet galas from November 10-13. The Dolby Theatre, an iconic Hollywood landmark, provides filmmakers an impressive platform to showcase their work with the very best in audio and imaging capabilities.

AFI FEST will take place November 6 through 13 in Hollywood, CA, at the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. As previously announced, the Opening Night Gala will be the world premiere of A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (DIR J.C. Chandor) on Thursday, November 6 and Sophia Loren will be honored with a special Tribute on Wednesday, November 12. The full festival lineup will be unveiled later this month.

For the 11th year, Audi is the festival’s presenting sponsor. Additional top sponsors include AT&T, Coca-Cola, VIZIO, American Airlines (the official airline of AFI) and Stella Artois. The festival’s venue sponsors include the Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Egyptian Theatre.